Demand for an upgraded flight experience is no longer limited to long-haul flights and is now reaching short-haul routes as well: Arkia is launching, for the first time, a business class on flights to Europe, with its first route to Paris already underway.
The move began with an inaugural flight to Paris earlier this week, after the company completed the conversion of one of its Airbus A320 aircraft into a configuration featuring two classes - business and economy. This marks a milestone for the company, which is expanding its premium products to flights lasting only a few hours.
As part of the conversion, the aircraft includes 12 business class seats alongside approximately 150 economy seats. The new business class offers a full service experience: Spacious seating, an extended baggage allowance of two suitcases, lounge access, dedicated check-in and boarding lines, as well as a culinary service that includes meals served in porcelain dishes and an alcohol menu.
Arkia explains that the decision comes in light of changing consumption habits among Israeli passengers, who are increasingly willing to invest more even in short and medium-haul flights - especially when it involves a combination of comfort, time savings, and an upgraded service experience.
According to the company’s CEO, Oz Berlovitz, strong demand for premium products led to the move. “Following the success of the business class on routes to New York and destinations in the East, we decided to expand the product to Europe as well. This is a move that allows passengers to choose the flight experience that suits them, even on short routes,” he said.
The move is not a one-time initiative: Arkia has already announced that within the coming month, an additional A320 aircraft will be converted into a full class configuration, with the aim of expanding the service to additional destinations in Europe.
Ticket prices for business class on the Paris route will start at approximately $849, positioning the new product among the more accessible premium classes in the market.